The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 239

"I trust him," I reassured Murphy.

Fabian said nothing further. As the dishes were served, Fabian had no intention of getting into the topic at all.

Half an hour later, I asked tentatively, "I heard that it's hard to do business in East Harbor."

According to Murphy's research, not only my ship but other ships were blocked as well. I just didn't know if it was Fabian's doing or not.

What I hinted was extremely clear, but Fabian pretended he did not hear me. "Have a taste of this. It's not bad."

Was he trying to intimidate me?

I put down the cutlery in my hand with a look of confusion. There was no point in continuing a business deal this way.

Sensing my gaze, Fabian smiled. "Mr. Joplin, it's just a business deal. Why the rush? So what if you earn less?"

"Nope. I'm a stinge. I won't lose a single cent," I replied half-jokingly.

Fabian also placed his cutlery down and looked at me. "Mr. Joplin, business in East Harbor isn't doing too well."

He wiped his mouth and continued, "I've never once asked for a service fee from you. I might be able to do it for one or two years, but my subordinates have families to feed."

He took a mouthful of soup in satisfaction.

I asked directly, "How much do you want?"

I was not planning on stopping business in East Harbor. This place had its potential. Things were looking great. There were also talks about businesses in Grun Island. I was not going to let go of such great opportunities.

Fabian did anything and everything in business, whether it was legit or not. As long as there were profits, he was willing to try.

I had heard rumors about him before. No matter how true they were, I was not going to work with him.

"Mr. Zahn, you must be joking. How could I have any connections?"

Fabian's gaze darkened, and I snickered. "Mr. Zahn, I think if you really want to expand your dealings elsewhere, you should find someone more cooperative and less petty."

I placed the wine glass down and smiled at him. "I'm not the right partner for you."

Fabian raised an eyebrow, and the fury on his face was obvious. "It looks like you're really not planning on working with me, Mr. Joplin."